Odisha Government Procures Potatoes from UP via NAFED Amid Crisis

The Odisha government will procure potatoes through NAFED from Uttar Pradesh to address the state's tuber crisis. Priced at Rs 30 per kg, these potatoes will be available in government retail shops across various cities. The move follows West Bengal's halt on tuber transportation to Odisha.

In a bid to address the ongoing potato crisis, the Odisha government has decided to procure the tuber from Uttar Pradesh via the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED).

Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Minister K C Patra announced that potatoes will be supplied to consumers at Rs 30 per kg. This move comes after neighbouring West Bengal ceased transporting potatoes to Odisha, leading to a significant price surge, with costs soaring to Rs 60 per kg in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The state has already placed an order for 300 metric tons of potatoes through NAFED, with the first batch expected by next weekend. The distribution will initially cover government retail shops in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur. Officials have been directed to ensure the smooth sale of these potatoes to the public.